discreetslave

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Posts by discreetslave

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  12

  None of you missed me !

  by wobble in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  i have been off line for a few days, my old steam -driven pc went kapput!!!!.

  so i have had to go and buy one of those new-fangled lap-top things.. i can now post my silly comments again tee hee.. good to see you are all still here, and still fighting, well,not really, the board seems to have gone a bit quiet and boring lately,no spats and insults, or can you direect me to a thread or two i may have missed that are worthy of the title "a good punchup" ?

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  discreetslave

  There is a new member ConcernedJW. I think he's in need of field service time.
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  61

  Do you have ...

  by talesin in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  an inspirational quote or saying you would like to share?

  i have a little book that i write stuff down in,, some funny, some serious .... .

  here's one i stole from a friend's f/b feed..... .

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  discreetslave

  Groucho Marx

  A black cat crossing your path signifies that the animal is going somewhere.

  All people are born alike - except Republicans and Democrats.

  Anyone who says he can see through women is missing a lot.

  I find television very educating. Every time somebody turns on the set, I go into the other room and read a book.

  I intend to live forever, or die trying.

  Military intelligence is a contradiction in terms.

  I remember the first time I had sex - I kept the receipt.
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  16

  I'm Not Spiritual

  by FrankWTower in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  i remember listening and thinking about other people and how spiritual they are.

  some jw's eat, sleep and breathe watchtower.

  and i used to think, "why can't i be like them?

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  discreetslave

  They don't know what spiritual is. They have a zeal for God but not according to accurate knowledge.

  Ambersun what you did demonstrated spirituality and true Christian qualities.

  When I was waking up and read Matthew ch 23 where Jesus condemned the Pharisees I was floored. JW way of worship fits that better than worshipping in Spirit & Truth. I kick myself that I didn't see (2 Timothy 3:5) ". . .having a form of godly devotion but proving false to its power..." in the JW way of worship.

  Think of how often they read Romans 1:20 and miss the point of the context.(Romans 1:18-23) 18 For God’s wrath is being revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men who are suppressing the truth in an unrighteous way, 19 because what may be known about God is manifest among them, for God made it manifest to them. 20 For his invisible [qualities] are clearly seen from the world’s creation onward, because they are perceived by the things made, even his eternal power and Godship, so that they are inexcusable; 21 because, although they knew God, they did not glorify him as God nor did they thank him, but they became empty-headed in their reasonings and their unintelligent heart became darkened. 22 Although asserting they were wise, they became foolish 23 and turned the glory of the incorruptible God into something like the image of corruptible man and of birds and four-footed creatures and creeping things.

  They focus on the things seen (organization, buildings, # baptized, service hours) and not on the things unseen (good heart, kindness, mercy, sincerity, charity, love).

  A speaker at our KH brought out how careful the brothers need to be in focusing on organization. He read Rev 7:9 and said "a great crowd which no man was able to number" then why are we so concerned with the figures. Is counting time, attendance, rv's, bible studies, organization crowding out the command at (Galatians 6:10) "Really, then, as long as we have time favorable for it, let us work what is good toward all, but especially toward those related to us in the faith." I was ready to shout AMEN!!! I keep wondering if he is aware of the truth and is an underground JW. It was obvious to all he did not follow the outline. That was the best talk I had ever heard as a JW.
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  77

  So what do ya'll think about the recent new light?

  by stillin9 in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  you know, the thing they were talking about in the 2011 dc.

  it was about how the "toes" of daniel's image no longer represent all the individual governments that have come around in human history.

  and that the anglo-american world power is the last world power we'll see before the end of the system of things.

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  discreetslave

  Gayle - The talks Will You Make Sacrifices for the Kingdom? Are You Behaving as a Kingdom Citizen? They acknowledged that many feel depressed while waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled yet they continue in God's service. They drew attn that those feelings are not new to servants of God. Job,Jeremiah, Hannah, and some of the anointed contended with feelings of depression. So ones can draw comfort from this. Others have felt like many of you do.

  In the Kingdom Citizens talk the speaker brought out Epaphroditus was of the anointed & was depressed. Paul too dealt with worries for the cong and his own condition no doubt brought feelings of distress. Then he mentioned (1 Thessalonians 5:14) . . .speak consolingly to the depressed souls,. . . This was written to the anointed since cong. then were made up only of anointed ones. Being anointed does not make one immune to depression or spiritual weakness.
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  42

  Was there anything different about you that helped you escape the WT?

  by Giordano in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  for me i know it was because i was a reader.. i began reading books at the age of 13, this was in the 1950's.

  because there were some serious family problems i had two escapes i could count on reading and associating with my friends at the kingdom hall.. as i devoured steinbeck, hemingway, wolf etc.

  my world view expanded....it had to.

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  discreetslave

  Love of Life, Desire for Knowledge, Intuituion, Analytical Thinking, Imagination, Love of Variety, Love for People, Sexuality, Hatred of Hypocrisy, Love of Justice, Love of Truth, My Sprituality, Love of God & his Son.

  I allowed this religion to take advantage of my love for God & Christ. In doing that I tried to suppress everything else about me. When I realized that I was dying from the inside I had to stop and allow all these qualities to resurface. Being me lead to freedom and true happiness.

  VampireDCLXV we must be kindred spirits because I could have written your post.
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  77

  So what do ya'll think about the recent new light?

  by stillin9 in

  1. jw
  2. experiences

  you know, the thing they were talking about in the 2011 dc.

  it was about how the "toes" of daniel's image no longer represent all the individual governments that have come around in human history.

  and that the anglo-american world power is the last world power we'll see before the end of the system of things.

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  discreetslave

  I sat there thinking I knew it. I never bought the 10 toes reasoning before. The explanation they gave is a polished rehash of 78-85 understanding.

  Breakfast of Champions -- I didn't hear that point, that's interesting . Then again This was my first convention being mentally free so I tuned out or got out of my seat a lot.

  Designs - You hit it in the head.

  At the DC I went to they got into the anointed suffering from depression. That depression is normal for a servant of God. This struck me as odd because this is the same religion who use to say depression is a symptom of poor spirituality. If you do all that is required as a witness you shouldn't be depressed. Then how do they balance anointed and depression with new partakers and mental or emotional imbalance. So are they saying you can suffer from depression & be anointed but you can't be anointed if you have any other mental illness?

  What a tangled web one weaves when one first practices to deceive.
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  57

  The Real Issues Facing former Jehovah's Witnesses

  by AllTimeJeff in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  on internet forums such as these, it is to be expected that there will be people who want to save jw's.

  esp from (thinking for) themselves.. however, the real dillema's facing an ex jw who leaves, whether on their own terms or being disfellowshipped are real and haven't changed.. .

  lonliness, how to make friends, is a big issue.. fear, esp fear based on superstition, a fear of god and of the future that is not in any way based in proveable fact.. education, how to think and reason critically to avoid being taken advantage of is a big challenge.. love, sex, and how to navigate your way around all of that hot mess.. geez, yeah, forgot.

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  discreetslave

  To Jamie

  I'm surprised it took me so long to realize I really don't fit in.
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  63

  Jehovah's Witnesses are not a CULT ...

  by Fatfreek in

  1. watchtower
  2. beliefs

  according to 30% of the following definitions.

  that leaves 70% that show quite the opposite.

  so -- are they a cult?

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  discreetslave

  I didn't want out of JW's because they were a cult. I never thought JW were a cult. Anyone who knew me as a JW will tell you I could run circles around most explaining WT doctrine. I only studied for 9 months and before I was baptized at 17 I could explain the antitypical day of atonement, the temple antitype, & Ezekials vision. I went to Bethel at 19 & was in a cong with two married couples from writing and associated with John Wischuk and Russell Kurzen. They all compared my knowledge of WT doctrine to Fred Franz. Which makes sense since he came up with most it. I have excellent literature recall.

  When I became of the anointed (which none of the elders I told doubted one being 4th gen.) I reviewed every thing relating to the heavenly calling. This research opened up a floodgate of questions. I kept asking why and how did they get that? When I first learned this stuff I was simply accepting what they said. Now I wanted to know how they got their explanations. I realized this was as fictional as Alice in Wornderland or the Chronicles of Narnia. All the scriptures we use to point the finger at false religion fit JW. Jesus introduced a form of worship based on Spirit & Truth & genuine love of people. This is not the religion of JW's. JW's focus on the physical not the things unseen. Rev 7:9 says a great crowd no man was able to number why so much focus on figures. The count's were only mentioned in Acts twice. Later no mention of figures is found in the Christian scriptures.

  All this lead me to look elsewhere for answers. I prayed to Jehovah if this is a sin I will confess & repent but I need to know more. If this is the truth nothing would change my determination to serve with his people. I looked up Ray Franz's book Crisis of Conscience. I had always heard of Ray spoken in a bad light. Reading his book one realizes how humble, faithful, & discreet he was. He never bad mouthed those who spoke so ill of him. The contrast was apparent and I realized this has the ring of truth. So I kept looking up more websites. The ring of truth kept ringing. And everything Watchtower sounded like feedback. I decided to leave JW's for these reasons and my emotional & mental health. The religions relentless pressure and lack of Holy Spirit was killing me from the inside.

  After my decision to leave this religion did I join here & LeavingWT told me about Steve Hassans book. Reading Hassans descriptions of cults and their operations made me realize I was in a cult. His descriptions of cults and their tactics fit JW's.

  Hassans book is not apostate literature to a JW. So why not read it? As a JW you could use it in your ministry to help others free themselves of cults. Since you are not convinced JW's are a cult.
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  57

  The Real Issues Facing former Jehovah's Witnesses

  by AllTimeJeff in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  on internet forums such as these, it is to be expected that there will be people who want to save jw's.

  esp from (thinking for) themselves.. however, the real dillema's facing an ex jw who leaves, whether on their own terms or being disfellowshipped are real and haven't changed.. .

  lonliness, how to make friends, is a big issue.. fear, esp fear based on superstition, a fear of god and of the future that is not in any way based in proveable fact.. education, how to think and reason critically to avoid being taken advantage of is a big challenge.. love, sex, and how to navigate your way around all of that hot mess.. geez, yeah, forgot.

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  discreetslave

  As a JW I had a variety of friends, some didn't get along with each other but they both liked me. I love trying to see things from someone elses poinnt of view even if I don't agree. When I found this forum I knew it was the place for me since I love variety. I like having a place where I can still acknowledge the JW part of me. One day it may get old but being so wet behind the ears I need it.

  I agree we all need to remember we can express our view without insisting it's the right one. That's key to the human race and this forum serves as a springboard into th outside world.

  If I've ever come off as a troll or onesided I apologize. I apologize ahead of time for any mistakes in the future.

  I love you guys... I've posted this video before but it expresses my feelings for this place I'll try to make this the last time

  So raise your glass if you are wrong,
  In all the right ways,
  All my underdogs,
  We will never be never be anything but loud
  And nitty gritty dirty little freaks
  Won't you come on and come on and raise your glass,
  Just come on and come on and raise your glass

  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XjVNlG5cZyQ
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  32

  Can't sleep... Feel so alone!

  by Free!! in

  1. jw
  2. friends

  sorry, i am just feeling alone and needed to vent..... i hate the fact that i allow jws to control me for so long and now i have no friends!

  i mean, i do have a few, but at moments like this when my head is spinning like a thousand miles per hour, there is noone i can call and trust and talk to.... my friends all have their lives, and the few that i can call, i am afraid to do so... again, i know i said this before, but jw ruined my social skills... .

  i want to scream!!!

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  discreetslave

  Free I'm sorry you are going thru this. It will get better. Give it time. There are a lot of good suggestions here. I'm planning on using them myself.

  I started studying when I was 16 and baptized at 17. I'm now 33 and I have to start over. I'll be your friend.

  Something you need is first to build up your self-esteem & worth. When you don't think enough of yourself that can hinder relationships. If you are still spiritual or think of yourself as Christian Joyce Meyers discourses are great. I bought her Confident Women Devotional and I'm really enjoying it.

  If your turned off by religion get some self help books.

  Meanwhile post and be patient.

  I sent you a PM